Biographies? A Coaching Tool?

Recently I have been reading biographies by Ron Chernow. Specifically, Washington, Hamilton, and Grant.

With each of these epic historical figures I found myself reading my own personality and traits and actions into each of these spectacular people.

Feeling inadequate

Having spats of impotent rage

Starting feuds over minor sleights

Feeling my worth was not recognized.

And good

Finding the value in true friendship

Hard work, Determination, and Luck Paying off

Seeing the value of time and perspective and having the Wisdom of an outside perspective looking in

In fact, while reading the Ron Chernow’s Hamilton I was reminded so much of a recent episode with a friend that I called up my friend and apologized and mended our fences having been able to recognize how petty our last exchange had been. It is in no small part thanks to Ron Chernow’s work that I now have fixed this floundering relationship of my own.

Biographies may not be your thing and they certainly were not mine. Reading them, however, has given me so much valuable insight. Insight into the founding of our country, insight into the workings of government, and insights into the very workings of my own personal relationships which have all very much now been improved upon.

If you have the time and willingness I highly recommend grabbing a historical Biography by Chernow. If anything else his books will greatly improve your vocabulary. I have to read them with a dictionary!

Ennis Lynch

Ennis Lynch is a Professional Coach Based in South Florida. His primary area of coaching focuses on coaching Software Engineering Leadership. On occasion he does Agile Transformation work as well but prefers coaching at the Team and Individual level vs. the organizational level.

If you have ever wondered: is professional coaching right for me and you are a Software Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, Director of Software Engineering, VP of Engineering, or CTO reach out for a free initial coaching session. See if coaching is right for you. Initial coaching sessions are the real deal, no hard-sells, no "here is what you would get if you paid". Individuals that receive a free coaching session will get a normal private professional coaching session of 90 minutes (30 minute onboarding + 60 minute coaching) and it will be up to you to follow-up if you want to continue with help on your journey.

Ennis is always gathering research through a team building exercise called the Ball Point Game. If you are interested in a team-level exercise and want to participate in a research project to further the field reach out. The exercise is free in South Florida (and really fun)